:::::::::::::US Forest Service: INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS: DISASTER ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Welcome to the Disaster Assistance Support Program page.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD
Earthquakes, floods, fires, nuclear and chemical disasters, disease, civil strife and starvation are just some of the disasters that can strike any nation suddenly and perhaps unexpectedly. The effects of catastrophe fall most heavily on developing nations, but no nation is immune. The people caught up in these disasters may suffer greatly. All too often, thousands die or are injured. Homes, workplaces and even entire communities are destroyed.

COOPERATIVE TIES

The U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) coordinates responses to dozens of foreign disasters each year. Nearly 20 years ago, USAID/OFDA recognized that the US Forest Service (USFS), with its extensive emergency responsive capability and experience in wildland forest firefighting, had unique capabilities and resources that would be applicable to any type of disaster. These unique capabilities include logistics, aviation management, telecommunications, disaster preparedness and planning, coordination and training. The USFS International Programs Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP) was created in 1985 to provide USAID/OFDA with essential technical support in disaster response management, planning, operations, preparedness, and prevention.

In the past two decades the role of DASP has grown to include emergency support functions such as training, improving OFDA’s methodologies for disaster response, and coordinating disaster preparedness efforts with USAID Missions and Embassies. With full program funding from OFDA, the DASP consists of six full-time staff providing services in a number of key areas.

Methodology and Systems

The DASP has developed many systems, procedures, guides and other tools to enhance and facilitate OFDA’s disaster planning, management and response. Examples include:

Following a severe earthquake in South Asia, USAID/OFDA staff member Skylar Sherman refers to his FOG during an aerial supply delivery mission in Pakistan

Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) concept, based on the domestic Incident Command System. In a recent review of OFDA’s 40-year history, the DART concept was identified as a critical juncture in OFDA’s approach to field operations, changing the nature of OFDA’s global disaster response.
Field Operations Guide (FOG) for Disaster Assessment and Response.
Response Management Team (RMT) system, policy and procedures.
DART Tools CD.
The International Assistance System (IAS) for coordinating international assistance in response to domestic disasters in the United States (in cooperation with USAID, the US Department of State, and FEMA).
OFDA Disaster declaration meeting format and checklist.
Lessons learned surveys and After Action workshops, which provide a forum for sharing ideas and improving future operations. Recent workshops have included:

Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh (FY 2008)
South Asia earthquake (FY 2006)
Sudan/Darfur complex emergency (FY 2005)
Ethiopia complex emergency (FY 2005)
Southern United States Hurricane Katrina (FY 2005)
West Africa food emergency (FY 2005)
Latin America and Caribbean hurricane season (FY 2004 and FY 2005)
West Africa locust infestation (FY 2004)
Indian Ocean tsunami (FY 2004)

Training

In coordination with the OFDA Training Unit, DASP develops and provides training to OFDA, the Forest Service, Department of Interior/Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other USG personnel, primarily focused on the DART and RMT systems. DASP also provides support to key components of other OFDA trainings, such as OFDA Orientation, First Aid and others.

Training participants simulate the roles and responsibilities of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART).

Resources

The DASP provides personnel and equipment to help OFDA meet its operational and management needs.

With a roster of over 350 Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees trained in OFDA systems and procedures, the DASP arranges short and long-term detail assignments to support OFDA responses to international disasters. In FY 2005, DASP detailers contributed over 2,000 days of work (7.8 work years) to OFDA’s response efforts in Washington , DC and overseas. Available skills include logistics, operations, geographic information, planning, programming, disaster assessment and response, facilitation, training, watershed management, engineering, forestry and a variety of other disciplines. For examples of recent assignments, see our recent activities page.

By accessing US Forest Service and BLM warehouses and caches, DASP also provides specialized equipment to meet OFDA’s emergency response needs worldwide including field support packs, remote location kits, office supply kits, first aid kits, chainsaws, telecommunications equipment, wildland firefighting equipment, and other supplies.

Mission Disaster Preparedness

The DASP, in partnership with OFDA’s field staff, is leading efforts to ensure that US Missions and the interagency community understand their own roles, the role and capabilities OFDA, and the processes and mechanisms for providing USG assistance in response to international disasters. These efforts enhance OFDA’s ability to ensure timely, effective, and appropriate use of USG disaster response resources. Key partners include OFDA’s Disaster Response and Mitigation Division and State Department’s Office of Diplomatic Security.

2000 US Forest Service International Programs
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